Hawks on the Hunt: Manhunt Underway for CIT Gang Members in Western Cape

A sense of urgency pervades the Western Cape as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, popularly known as the Hawks, intensifies their search for three dangerous suspects. These individuals are embroiled in accusations of attempted murder, the illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and direct involvement in a foiled cash-in-transit heist that occurred on August 5, 2024.

The reiterated appeal by Western Cape Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, has brought to light the critical details of the case. The search zeroes in on Cassiem Isaac Feni (37), Tebogo Simon Maluke (51), and Avuyile Mjongwana (23), all of whom are on the run following a deadly confrontation that saw eight of their alleged accomplices fatally wounded and five others arrested.

The fateful incident, which transpired in Town Two, Khayelitsha, unfolded as the Hawks, alongside Crime Intelligence and the Special Task Force, acted upon riveting intelligence. The intrepid officers swooped on a residential property to interrupt what they believed to be the planning stage of a CIT robbery.

It was in the heart of this residential area where gunfire erupted, culminating in a fierce shootout. The aftermath was a somber scene: along with the casualties and arrests, a formidable arsenal of seven AK-47 rifles, two R5 rifles, and various other firearms were seized, together with three improvised explosive chargers and an array of ammunition.

The ramifications of these events couldn't be clearer as the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, disclosed his grave concerns regarding the high-caliber weapons in the suspects' possession—a red flag for the potential scale and violence of criminal activities within the province.

With the community's safety at stake, the Hawks have issued a call to the public, urging anyone with vital information about the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward. Reliable tips can be directed to the Investigating Officers, Captain Swan and Sergeant Hlatshaneni, whose commitment to apprehending these individuals remains unwavering.

The situation places a spotlight on the urgent need for collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the community to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of South Africa's streets, particularly in response to brazen threats like CIT heists.